Mosquitoes have long been a nuisance during summer evenings. Although they do not carry any diseases in the UK, their itchy bites can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. While some people seem to attract more mosquitoes than others, there are measures that can be taken to avoid being bitten. Here are some tips and tricks that could help.
Fruits, Soaps, and Beverages
Mosquitoes use their sense of smell to locate their next victim, so it is possible to influence how attractive we smell to them. A study conducted this year found that certain soaps, such as Dove and Simple Truth, can make some people more attractive to mosquitoes, while others are repelled by Native soap. Similarly, consuming bananas can make some people more susceptible to mosquito bites, while grapes have no effect on mosquito attraction. It is recommended to experiment with these changes and see what works best for each individual. Additionally, a 2010 study found that drinking beer can make a person’s body scent more attractive to mosquitoes, while drinking water has no effect. Therefore, it may be worth cutting out alcohol this summer if one wants to avoid mosquito bites.
Deodorant and Insect Repellents
Deodorants can also be an effective way to repel mosquitoes. A compound called isopropyl tetradecanoate found in many deodorants can prevent mosquitoes from landing on the skin and reduce the number of bites by 56%. Additionally, wearing deodorant while exercising can help repel mosquitoes, as they are more attracted to sweat. On the other hand, home remedies such as consuming garlic or taking vitamin B supplements have been found to have no effect on mosquito attraction. Insect repellents containing Deet offer the longest protection against mosquito bites, compared to other repellents. Although they may have an unpleasant smell, they are effective and can be applied directly to bare skin. If one prefers not to apply repellent directly to the skin, spraying clothes with insecticide such as permethrin can also be an effective measure to avoid being bitten.
Genetics
While there are measures that can be taken to avoid mosquito bites, it is important to note that genetics also play a role in how attractive a person is to mosquitoes. Therefore, some individuals may still be more susceptible to bites despite taking preventive measures.
There are several ways to avoid mosquito bites, including changing soaps, fruits, and beverages, using deodorant and insect repellents, and spraying clothes with insecticide. However, it is important to keep in mind that genetics also play a role in mosquito attraction. By taking these measures, individuals can enjoy their summer evenings without the nuisance of mosquito bites.
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